"Back in the day, (before COVID) students could actually focus..." Every teacher has heard it. Many of us have said it.
But what if our fears about "kids these days" are hiding something deeper - something the we as teachers haven't been ready to talk about that speaks to something real and urgent in education?
Let's talk about what's really at stake.
Flash sale - https://english-classroom-architect.thrivecart.com/ducks-in-a-row-bundle/
In 1996, Michael Johnson won two Olympic golds by training less intensely than his competitors. Weird, right?
Explore how the counterintuitive concept of 'sub-maximal' training—focusing on sustainability over constant maximum effort—might be the key to teaching excellence without burnout.
This episode challenges everything you think you know about peak performance in the classroom.
Resources Mentioned:
Why do we design our teaching as if we'll never need coverage when (almost) every teacher needs it multiple times a year? Stop coming to school sick. Stop creating emergency plans at 5AM. Stop pretending the need for coverage won't happen. Let's rethink how we plan for reality and build something sustainable. Get 10 FREE Emergency Sub Plans: https://buildingbooklove.com/ela-emergency-sub-plans-for-middle-school-and-high-school-english/ Literary Springboard Resource: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Say-Mean-Matter-Chart-and-Variation-Springboard-Analysis-for-any-text-9482514
How did Spotify turn "you listened to Taylor Swift for 10,483 minutes" into a story you couldn't wait to share? Meanwhile, we're still sharing student growth through numbers and charts.
Something's not adding up.
There's something here that could enhance how we celebrate student growth - and no, I'm not suggestion you try to turn your students' analytical progression into a viral moment.
But what if progress felt less like a data dump ad more like a story worth sharing?
Here's what teachers can learn from Spotify's storytelling magic - and how to use it without exhausting ourselves in the process.
"I agree with what they said."
It's possibly the most dreaded phrase in literary discussions. The polite nodding. The surface sharing. The performance of analysis without any real meaning building.
But what if the problem isn't our students or even the text? What if it's how we structure the discussion itself?
Drawing from years of teaching Macbeth, this episode breaks down the engineering behind discussions that actually work. We'll explore scene mapping strategies, pattern analysis frameworks, and the specific structures that transform student contributions from random observations into genuine literary analysis.
It's time to make the simple "I agree" obsolete.
Resources
In this episode, we go beyond the witches to explore how Macbeth offers insights into ambition, performance, and mental health—both in the play and in the classroom.
Tune in for:
Whether you’re looking to explore Gothic themes, mental health, or fresh ways to teach Macbeth, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools.
Get the Spooky Bundle, Volume 2! https://shop.mudandinkteaching.org/spookyelabundle2/dazlp (my affiliate link)
As October rolls in, join us for a haunting exploration of Gothic literature in the classroom. In this episode, we'll uncover new ways to approach Gothic Literature.
Discover how to:
Lets reflect on the challenges of October teaching and how Gothic literature can be a bridge to deeper engagement. From Macbeth to Mexican Gothic, from yellow wallpaper to silver screens, I'll share how I'm creating rigorous, engaging lessons that resonate with today's students.
Ever had a student crumple up their graded paper right in front of you? In this Curriculum Lab episode I share my own struggles with feedback frustration and explore methods (including some old-school Google add-ons) to hopefully ensure students not only see but use your comments to improve their writing.
If feedback has felt like a losing battle, I made this episode for you.
Let's look at the world of education's hidden curriculum to explore how common school policies can unintentionally manipulate student emotions.
Why are your students wearing Nirvana tees without knowing the band? Explore the world of the 'time-neutral teen' and learn how to use their nostalgic interests to deepen historical understanding...which can all lead to our students better understanding literature and the world they live in.
In this episode, we'll cover: • The concept of the 'time-neutral teen' and how it affects learning • A multi-week TV era research project to engage students with historical periods • Strategies for building 'time anchors' to improve student comprehension • Flexible homework assignments for media analysis and historical context • Practical tips for integrating pop culture into your English curriculum • Addressing challenges like time constraints and access to media
In this Curriculum Lab, we're diving into the post-Labor Day chaos that every teacher knows all too well. From binge-watching 'UnReal' to suddenly remembering all those ungraded assignments, I'm sharing my own juggling act of honors classes, volleyball coaching, and parenting both a toddler and a teenager (and an adult). Join me as I talk through through adapting lesson plans and debate pushing back deadlines (again). Whether you're nodding along in solidarity or laughing at the all-too-familiar struggle, this episode is a candid peek into surviving the back-to-school whirlwind!
Like Grogu learning to harness the Force, it's time for your students to master the power of reading. Discover how to forge a curriculum as strong as the finest armor, weaving together the science of reading with compelling storytelling techniques. From building background knowledge to mastering vocabulary, we'll equip you with strategies that work like a well-aimed blaster. Structure your lessons like episodes of an epic saga, keeping students engaged and learning. In the quest for literacy, "This is the way."
Edutopia Article: https://www.edutopia.org/article/10-studies-every-teacher-should-know-about
40. Plot Twist Summit Series: Talking Science of Reading with Allison McManus: https://pod.link/1692157320/episode/839e3d91f1ea8eb93250aea9003c0356
Ever feel like your lessons are dragging, while your students’ attention spans are sprinting? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of micro-content—those short, sharp, and super-effective strategies that make your lessons click. We’ll show you how to turn long lectures into quick, engaging bursts that your students will actually remember. Think of it as the secret sauce for today’s fast-paced classroom. Whether you’re looking to refresh your approach or just want to meet your students where they are, this episode has the tips and tricks you need to keep your lessons snappy, relevant, and totally unforgettable. Tune in and let’s get sharp!
Pop Culture Pedagogy Freebie: https://english-classroom-architect.thrivecart.com/pop-culture-pedagogy-toolkit-tpt-copy-2/
In this episode I'm sharing about week two of the school year.
In this behind-the-scenes look, I navigate the ripple effects of a newly enforced cell phone ban, channel Marvel's 'What If?' series for lesson inspiration, and grapple with gender swaps in classic literature. From Stephen King-inspired stations to last-minute PB&J lunches, join me to pull back the curtain on the real-life challenges and triumphs of adapting curriculum on the fly.
It's an unfiltered, honest look at the day-to-day realities of teaching – exhaustion, epiphanies, and all.
Feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and competing priorities? In this episode, discover the game-changing concept of "Classroom Triage" - a powerful technique borrowed from emergency medicine to manage your time and energy. Learn how to:
If you're drowning in responsibilities, this episode offers the life preserver you've been searching for!
What if two simple words could transform your English classroom? Discover how this approach can bring new energy to both literary analysis and the writing process, making classics come alive and turning student writing into an adventure. Learn practical strategies to implement 'What If' thinking, explore its cognitive benefits, and unlock new levels of creativity and critical thinking in your students. From Marvel to Masterpieces, we'll explore how 'What If' can be your secret weapon for engaging reluctant readers and aspiring writers alike.
I've got one week of school under my belt...
Join me for an inside look at implementing my curriculum revamp n real time. I'll give honest insights about adapting to different class dynamics, engaging students, and balancing planning time.
I'll catch you up on what's working, what's being adjusted, and how I'm navigating the challenges of bringing new ideas into the classroom.
Ever faced a sea of blank stares during class discussions? You're not alone. In this episode I explore my practices and habits that practices that were hindering class discussion and how I rethought assessment and scaffolding so my ideas and strategies have evolved to encourage all voices are heard.
Let's turn those crickets into conversations and make your class the one students can't stop talking about - literally.
Mentioned in this episode: 15. Elevating Socratic Seminars with Team-Based Approaches: Unleashing Collaboration and Competition: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/3yuhsM6nfMb
Show Notes: https://englishclassroomarchitect.com/podcast/54-classroom-discussion-code/
Ready to murder the monotony in your English classroom? Join us as we dive into the audacious world of Liquid Death's marketing strategies and discover how they can revolutionize your teaching. In this episode, you'll learn:
From unexpected juxtapositions to irreverent humor, we're breaking all the rules to help you create an unforgettable learning experience.
So grab your tallboy of water, crank up the volume, and get ready to think way outside the script.
